‘Heartbreaking’: Mum’s tears as fire damage sinks in

Residents were finally allowed back their homes after the police declared the area safe again following the devastating fires. Scenes of devastation and loss in Peregian Beach after the fires. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

‘Heartbreaking’: Mum’s tears as fire damage sinks in

A DAUGHTER hugged her crying mum in the street as they realised how close their Peregian Beach home came to being destroyed.

Joanne Shearer’s emotions flowed as she and her daughter, Scarlett Foreman inspected the damage of their neighbours’ homes along David Low Way, feeling lucky they escaped serious damage.

One home, just two doors down from Ms Shearer’s house, had been gutted by fire.

Peregian Beach residents Jo Shearer and Scarlett Foreman were relieved and overcome with emotion after being allowed back to their homes after the police declared the area safe again following the devastating fires. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

While the owners weren’t home, their neighbours wept for them.

“It’s so shocking … I can’t believe it,” she said.

Ms Shearer returned home about 9.30am and was one of the first residents let back through the exclusion zone.

Scenes of devastation and loss in Peregian Beach after the fires. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

The streets were packed and traffic slow as families rushed home.

Smoke alarms in Ms Shearer’s house were still ringing as The Daily inspected the damage her house suffered.

A burnt car on a street at Peregian Beach. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

A part of side fence and corner of her home were charred, suspected to be from flying embers.